Okay Geek Farm
Here is a game you should play - Trials 2 Second Edition
Brandon Davenport
I really dislike most games that are out there, mostly because (to me) they all feel like bloated and regurgitated sequels and re-makes. Rarely do I see an indie game that looks good, and plays well — but even less do I see an indie game that I find interesting. If you are like me, and you aren’t sold on the whole gaming scene, this is a game you should play — mindless, reckless fun.
What I like about Trials 2 Second Edition
First off, as you may have heard from me many times, I am a self admitted graphics whore and I just love games with beautiful landscapes, textures, physics and lighting — this game delivers. Trials 2 SE showcases some of the best graphics ever seen in an indie game, and I just can’t get over the 140MB file size for the entire game, considering it truly looks like a next-gen title (maybe from 2 years ago, but it still hits a sweet spot).
The physics are very simple, but well thought out — ragdoll effects don’t feel “limp” and the way the guy helplessly flails his arms around when I shoot him into the air makes me laugh. The way the bike works is super cool — exaggerated suspension, a great center of gravity and an overall “grounded” feel makes ripping around the levels a pleasurable experience.
The ability to download and play custom maps is really neat, and the different types of gameplay will keep you playing for quite a while. It’s fun to crash, and see how many bones you are breaking, and here the “crunch… snap” of your little dirt bike guy’s legs as he slams against a wooden post. The sound is also very well done, and the addition of the moans, grunts and painful squeals your character shouts makes it that much more rewarding to fly off your bike at 50 feet in the air.
What I dislike about Trials 2 Second Edition
This game has more glitches and bugs in it than a $12/night motel mattress, and that is all fun for the first hour or so, but after a while the funny wears off. It gets sort of frustrating once you get stuck in platforms, walls and the ground and then watch your character have convulsions while he tries to pry himself from the laws of physics.
Also, the music is absolutely horrible, and is probably the worst part of the game — but no fear, there is a setting to turn it off (I usually listen to music in iTunes while playing). Another disappointment is fragmentation within the “trials” franchise — There is a PS3 version (Trials HD) a PC version (Trials 2 SE) a soon to be Xbox 360 version (not announced yet) and a flash version — all with different titles and gameplay. A more unified experience would be nice. Also the menu interfaces make me want to rip my eyes out.
Final thoughts
Although Trials 2 SE is a low budget indie game, it makes up for it in graphics, audio, gameplay and the overall “fun factor”. Not having the need to level up is a breath of fresh air, and the ability to play through the 50+ levels (a few good hours of play) and the additional custom levels is really awesome. Overall, I give Trials 2 SE a “must have” stamp of approval, and you need to get this if you are like me, and just want a game you can dick around in, and just cause some trouble on a dirt bike. An absolute blast!
Download Trials 2 SE — $9.99 on Steam (demo available) / Trial 2’s official website
